Approximately one year ago the new 307 range was launched in Australia, featuring a fresh new look combined with new levels of comfort, all the while retaining it’s outstanding levels of safety and standard equipment, thus offering real value for money.

Now, Automobiles Peugeot is adding another improvement to the 307 range, releasing the 307 XSE HDi in hatch and Touring, featuring a 6-speed automatic sequential gearbox. Previously available in manual only, the automatic is perfectly coupled with the powerful yet frugal 2.0-litre, 100kW, 16 valve HDi engine, which, like all Peugeot diesel models is fitted with particulate filter.

The 307 has proved to be popular with Australian consumers looking for a stylish yet practical medium sized car, since its launch in late 2001. It is also one of Europe’s most popular cars, with over 2.7 million units produced globally.

With many customers looking at their choice of vehicle in a new light, whether it be for fuel economy without sacrificing drivability, or even from an environmental perspective, the 307 is providing many with the answer, especially in its diesel guise.

Sales of the 307 are up 56% YTD in 2006 and Peugeot is definitely gaining a broader audience, with total sales up 25% compared to the same time last year. Although previously available in manual only as a diesel, HDi sales have accounted for 48% of all 307 sales in 2006, and with the arrival of the automatic option sales predictions are optimistic to say the least.

With the price of fuel at the forefront of the public’s mind, it is not so surprising that 35% of all Peugeots sold this year have been powered by a diesel engine. This compares to 23% in 2005, and 12% in 2004. Clearly there is growing acceptance of diesel in Australia and Peugeot HDi technology has been able to address the stereotypical concerns that may still linger in buyer’s minds. The 307 XSE HDi is now on sale, priced at $34,790 (RRP) for the hatch and $36,490 (RRP) for the Touring.

Automatic sequential 6-speed transmission now available for the 307 2.0 HDi FAP

Dynamism and comfort

With its renowned driving qualities and its innovative styling ensuring numerous benefits in terms of in-car comfort and convenience, the 307 constantly attracts a wider clientele through its various derivatives.

In 2005 it was further refined and updated to reflect recent styling developments of the marque which reinforced its natural dynamism.

Since its launch, the 307 has evolved continuously to meet the multiple demands of the market. In this context, the arrival of the AM6 six-speed automatic transmission for the diesels in this model is a true innovation.

This transmission, coupled to the 2.0 l HDi 16 valve FAP engine, makes maximum use of the 100 kW and 320 Nm developed.

Initially associated with the petrol V6 and the HDi in the 607 and the petrol V6, HDi and 2.0 l HDi in the 407, this new transmission now available for the HDi engine in the 307 range will further reinforce the model's image of dynamism and innovation while providing additional driving comfort.

Technically refined, this new engine/gearbox combination gives the 307 dynamism and responsiveness. Its six gears provide a lively pull-away, a perceptible continuity of acceleration thanks to the smooth gear change, and excellent responsiveness due to the optimum use of the engine torque range.

As well as providing the comfort of a fully automatic gearbox, the « Porsche Tiptronic » sequential control system allows more active driving.

Transmission

The AM6 automatic transmission was developed by Aisin AW to specifications set by the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group.

The basic principle is to use the combinations of two epicycloid trains, one single and the other double, controlled by just five friction elements (clutches or brakes). This principle means compactness and reduced weight in comparison with automatic four-speed transmissions.

The automatic six gears contribute to optimum use of the engine. In fact they ensure better use of the engine with small speed drops on each shift, which supports the quality of gear changes, dynamism and continuity of acceleration.

The first, short ratio provides a lively pull-away while the « long-legged » sixth gear optimises fuel consumption, sound level and motorway driving comfort with no compromise for overtaking acceleration which benefits from an immediate downshift by one or more gears.

There are two driving mode options: the one automatic, auto-adaptive for relaxing driving without stress, adapting to the driving style of the driver, and the other more active thanks to the sequential control.

For greater safety the transmission has a « shift lock » function which, while the engine is running, prevents shifting out of Park (P) unless the brake pedal is pressed at the same time. Also a buzzer is activated when the driver opens his door with the engine off, without having returned the selector lever to Park.

To allow installation in the 307 (platform 2), the AM6 has undergone specific adaptations. It is more compact than its previous installations on larger platforms, hence its designation « AM6C ».

2.0 l HDi - DW10 BTED4 – FAP Engine

With capacity 1,997 cm3 (bore 85 mm, travel 88 mm), this four cylinder 16-valve engine is fitted with a Garrett variable geometry turbo. It develops a maximum power of 100 kW at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 320 Nm at 2,000 rpm. On the four higher gears, the torque rises to 340 Nm at 2,000 rpm thanks to the « overboost » function activated at full engine load between 1,750 and 3,200 rpm.

High pressure injection

The common rail, direct high pressure injection system comprises a high pressure, electronically controlled pump placed at the end of the exhaust camshaft. In the common rail, the internal pressure can vary between 250 bar and 1,650 bar depending on the demand from the computer software as a function of engine speed and load. The rail is connected to Siemens injectors controlled independently by the ECU and fitted with a piezo-electric control head. They have six tiny diameter (less than 150µ) injection openings ensuring very fine atomisation directly into the combustion chamber. This technology therefore allows optimum fuel metering in terms of quantity and duration. The system allows potential management of six different injections (multiple injections):

• Two pre-injections: to control the injection noise.
• Two main injections: to obtain torque and power, and a good balance of noise/emissions/fuel consumption.
• Two post- injections: to regenerate the FAP.

Environmental performance

By its very design, the diesel is the engine with the best thermodynamic efficiency. Also thanks to the very high injection pressure of the common rail system, the extremely fine atomisation of the diesel in the chamber allows more homogeneous and very complete combustion. This gives a better combustion efficiency which, by reducing emissions at source, easily complies with the EURO 4 emission standards.

This engine is fitted with a particle filter (FAP) to retain the particulates then burn them in a system exclusive to the common rail, allied to the Eolys compound.

Dynamic characteristics

The AM6/DW10B system gives the 307 good acceleration, flexibility at low speeds and perceptible driving comfort.

So the saloon takes just 31.7 seconds to cover 1,000 m from a standing start with just the driver on board. Under the same conditions, acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h takes just 8.5 seconds in Drive. The top speed achieved in 6th gear is 203 km/h.

The technological content of the engine and the resulting availability of torque at low speeds allow controlled fuel consumption of 6.7 l in mixed cycle, and emissions of 178 g/km CO2.

Wheels and tyres

The 307 is unanimously appreciated for its neutral and reassuring behaviour with pseudo-MacPherson suspension on the front and deformable cross-member on the rear.

The only changes made concern the unladen spring heights, which are adapted to the change in mass of the vehicle to retain the same vehicle ride height.

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